Best trails in Florianópolis
8 must-do hikes on the Magic Island!
March 4, 2026
Beyond the famous beaches, Floripa has a wilder, calmer, and less explored side, and that is exactly what makes the island so special. Just put on your sneakers, grab your backpack, and start walking to discover a whole other world: trails through hills that pass through stretches of Atlantic Forest and end at hidden beaches with incredible views!
If you enjoy exploring different hidden spots and feeling that rewarding sensation of reaching a beach after a good hike… this guide is for you! There are short trails for those who just want to stretch their legs and climbs for those who love a challenge. All of them, without exception, lead to incredible landscapes and guarantee moments that go straight into your memory (and your phone gallery, of course).
So let’s go: get your sneakers, sunscreen, water bottle, and swimwear ready, because believe me, it will be impossible to resist a swim at the end of the trail.
1. Lagoinha do Leste Trail
- Location: Access via Pântano do Sul or Matadeiro Beach
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Average time (to reach the beach): Pântano – 1h to 1h30; Matadeiro – 2h to 2h30
A true classic! The Lagoinha do Leste trail is almost a “rite of passage” for anyone who loves Floripa. It leads to a beach of the same name, full of incredible landscapes. You can choose between two routes:
- Starting from Pântano do Sul, the trail is shorter and steeper.
- Starting from Matadeiro Beach, the route is longer.
If you want details about each of these trails, I wrote a full article about it here on the blog!
Tip: Made it to the beach? Extend the hike to Morro da Coroa. The view from the top is amazing (it almost looks fake!).
Another tip: if you get tired, you can take a boat ride back that drops you directly at Pântano do Sul.
2. Boa Vista Trail
- Location: Caieira da Barra do Sul Entre a Praia da Barra da Lagoa e a Praia da Galheta
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Average time: 1h30
This trail connects Barra da Lagoa Beach to Galheta Beach, passing through the upper part of Morro da Galheta. The route offers beautiful viewpoints overlooking Lagoa da Conceição, Praia Mole, the Joaquina dunes, and the entire stretch of Galheta Beach. It’s very photogenic! The beginning is a bit steep, but once you reach the viewpoints, the hike becomes much easier.
Fun fact: Galheta Beach is known for being an unofficial optional-nudity beach. It’s good to know this before going, especially if you’re with children or prefer to avoid this kind of environment.
3. Naufragados Trail
- Location: Caieira da Barra do Sul
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Average time: 45 min to 1 hour (to the beach)
This trail starts at the southernmost tip of the island and leads to Naufragados Beach. The path is well-marked and easygoing, perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a lighter hike. Once there, you can take a short trail leading to the lighthouse. It is not open to visitors, but the walk is still worth it to see the ruins up close and take great photos. In total, including this detour, the experience takes about two hours.
Tip: Local residents run small restaurants on the beach, serving simple and delicious food. It’s absolutely worth having lunch there and supporting the community!
4. Gravatá Trail
- Location: Between Praia Mole and Barra da Lagoa
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 30 minutes
This short trail leads to the small and hidden Gravatá Beach, surrounded by hills and Atlantic Forest. The beach is located on the eastern side of the island, between Praia Mole and Joaquina Beach. It’s a great option for those looking for a light hike (despite the steep climb) and to escape crowded beaches. The trail starts at Rodovia Jornalista Manoel de Menezes, 346, but be aware: parking is not allowed there. You may get fined or even have your vehicle towed.
Tip: The last time I went, in August 2024, there was a highline set up. I didn’t try it, but if you enjoy adrenaline, you’ll love it!
5. Costa da Lagoa Trail
- Location: Access via Canto dos Araçás (Lagoa da Conceição)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 2 hours
This trail connects Lagoa da Conceição to the Costa da Lagoa community. Along the way, you’ll pass waterfalls, century-old houses, and small lakeside restaurants. The route is mostly flat (with few ascents and descents), very well marked, and you can also return by boat if you prefer not to walk back.
Tip: Once you reach the community, sit at one of the local restaurants and enjoy lunch with a view of the water. A true Floripa experience!
6. Feiticeira Trail
- Location: Between Praia Brava and Praia dos Ingleses
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 45 minutes
This trail crosses the hill that connects two very popular beaches: Praia Brava and Praia dos Ingleses. You can start either from Brava or Ingleses, and there is shade along most of the route. If you prefer, there is another trail option closer to the sea that also connects these two beaches. However, this route follows the rocky coastline and has little shade, so be prepared for sun exposure.
Fun fact: The name comes from old legends about “witches” said to have lived in the area (after all, Floripa isn’t called the Magic Island for nothing, right?).
7. Morro das Aranhas Trail
- Location: Between Costão do Santinho and Moçambique Beach
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Average time: 1h to 1h15
This trail connects Costão do Santinho to Moçambique Beach, passing through Morro das Aranhas, a protected natural area. You can start from either end, and the route includes gentle climbs and a few steeper sections, but nothing too demanding. At the top of the hill, there is a natural viewpoint with an incredible panoramic view: you can see Rio Vermelho, Ingleses, Santinho, and even the mysterious Aranhas Island.
Tip/fun fact: Legend says the name comes from the rocks, which from a distance resemble giant spiders. Others say the island once had a colony of venomous spiders. Who knows!
8. Morro do Rapa Trail
- Location: Between Praia Brava and Lagoinha do Norte Beach
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average time: 1h30
You can start this trail from either Praia Brava or Lagoinha do Norte. The path goes through Morro do Rapa and offers one of the most incredible views of the northern part of the island. At the beginning, the trail is wide and well-marked, as the hill is also used for paragliding and can be accessed by tricycles and motorbikes. After a while, the path becomes narrower and more enclosed, entering dense forest.
Tip/fun fact: Bring a snack, the top is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the view!
Tips to enjoy the trails safely
- Wear sneakers or boots with good grip (no flip-flops, please).
- Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light snack.
- Avoid going alone, especially on more remote trails.
- Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
- And the basics: take your trash back with you and respect nature.
Exploring the trails of Florianópolis is one of the most authentic ways to get to know the Magic Island. Each path reveals a different piece of this paradise, whether it’s a new viewpoint, a hidden beach, or a close encounter with nature.
So… put on your sneakers, pack your backpack, and come hike Floripa!
Gabriela Scherer
Author
I am a film student, passionate about culture and stories that connect people. I have been dancing for over seven years and have explored seven countries in search of new inspiration. Between a photo and a good conversation, I continue living art every day.
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